Tonsils are ball-like clumps of lymphoid tissue located on both sides of the back of the throat. Some scientists believe that the tonsils work as part of the body’s immune system. They help the body fight infection by filtering out germs as they enter the breathing passages through the mouth and nose.

The adenoids are a clump of lymphoid tissue similar to that of tonsils, but located higher up in the throat, behind the nose. Adenoids also help the body fight infections by trapping and fighting germs as they pass through the breathing passage.